Oakhurst, CA — The Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&DC), in partnership with the Eastern Madera Fire Safe Council (EMFSC), is proud to announce the award of a $125,000 grant from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to implement a critical wildfire mitigation project in the Sierra Springs area of Bass Lake, California. The grant is part of the 2025 Bass Lake PG&E Wildfire Fuels Initiative – Unit 1 and will directly fund hazardous fuel reduction activities to enhance fire safety for residents, natural resources, and key infrastructure during the 2025 fire season.

Project efforts will include:

• Mechanical and/or hand treatment of overgrown vegetation to reduce wildfire fuel loads
• Improving defensible space near homes and community structures
• Supporting safe ingress and egress routes for residents and emergency responders
• Increasing overall community wildfire resilience

“This project is a powerful demonstration of what strong partnerships and forward-thinking investment can accomplish. With critical funding from PG&E and the support of our partners at the Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC, we’re bringing real wildfire risk reduction to the Sierra Springs and Bass Lake Community. The project is the first of a suite of projects being planned. These treatments not only create defensible space and improve emergency access – they also protect the forested character of our region and the people who live here. We’re grateful for the collaboration and shared commitment to safety, resilience, and stewardship that made this possible,” said Ashley Nebecker, Executive Director of EMFSC.

The work is expected to be completed before the end of the declared 2025 fire season and will be guided by measurable benchmarks such as acres treated, biomass removed, and the number of structures and residents protected. PG&E’s support reflects its broader commitment to community safety and wildfire prevention through targeted vegetation management and collaboration with local fire safe councils and conservation partners.

Eastern Madera Fire Safe Council is preparing to host a series of community education meetings focused on upcoming wildfire resilience projects in the Bass Lake region. These meetings will include both a Sierra Springs-specific session and a broader meeting for all Bass Lake area residents. Attendees will receive information on home hardening strategies, defensible space best practices, and details about a suite of fuel reduction projects planned to protect our communities.

Meeting dates are currently being finalized, and we’ll share full details as soon as they are confirmed. Announcements will be posted on local community bulletin boards and shared through our social media platforms. We encourage all residents to attend and learn how they can actively support and benefit from these efforts to create a more fire-adapted landscape. We also will share information about affordable home hardening solutions, WUI (wild-land, urban interface) rated material choices, and best practices for vegetation management and maintenance.

About Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC

Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community-led conservation, wildfire preparedness, and sustainable development across the Yosemite and Sequoia regions of California.

About Eastern Madera Fire Safe Council

EMRSC is a grassroots organization focused on protecting lives, property, and natural resources through wildfire prevention, education, and fuels reduction in Eastern Madera County.